If you’re interested in railroading, steam railroading in particular, then this place should definitely be on your bucket list!
The Roundhouse has been restored. It houses locomotives (steam and early diesel) freight cars, passenger cars and all kinds of railroading equipment. Interpretive Rangers lead guided tours. The small Theater shows movies highlighting the history of the site. During the summer, you can ride on one of the “Excursion” trains behind an old steam locomotive.
The 90 foot Turntable is still used to move locomotives and cars in and out of the Roundhouse.
The oldest section of the Repair Shop was built in the 1860’s. It is an actual working shop. Take the tour and see locomotives and other equipment in various stages of repair & restoration.
“Railfest 2012” is scheduled for Labor Day weekend.
Lackawanna Station, an elegant rail station built by the Line in the early 1900’s, still stands in downtown Scranton. It is now a Radisson Hotel, but the original lobby is open to the public. Go there on Sunday morning and enjoy an elegant Brunch ($$$!). Call ahead for reservations.
This facility was a service and repair center for the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Line. Much of the equipment you’ll see here is from that Line. My grandfather worked on the “Lackawanna” for over 45 years.
This National Park Service site is the only site of it’s kind in the NPS system, and one of the largest and most complete facilities like it in the country.
We spent two terrific days at Steam Town last week while visiting family in the area. Here are a few of the many photos we took and a link to the website. Good info, photos and virtual tours on the website. Enjoy!
Union Pacific "Big Boy" and #47.
Looking down onto the Turntable from the second floor of the Roundhouse. Downtown Scranton in the distance.
Photo board showing the locomotives housed at Steam Town.
Steam locomotive undergoing restoration in the Repair Shop. Boiler up on blocks, frame in front, wheels to the right behind the press.
Steam Town website: http://www.nps.gov/stea/index.htm
